Italian Restaurant Business Plan Essay Example

Italian Restaurant Business Plan Essay Example Italian Restaurant Business Plan Essay Italian Restaurant Business Plan Essay This business plan for The Pasta House Co. – Fenton (PHC) reflects the opportunity to purchase the assets and leasehold improvements of the restaurant currently operating as  JD Drews. The current owner  is interested in selling the operations, as the store is not doing the volume he thought it would and he would like to get out of this location and the debt service he has incurred. My  goal is to submit this business plan to his bank in the event  he is unable to make loan or rent payments and defaults on the loan. We will be a position to take over the SBA loan, and with additional funds added, convert this location to a profitable Pasta House Co. franchise  restaurant. The location is only 1/4 of a mile away from Gravois Bluffs, the largest land moving project to put in a major shopping  complex  in the state of Missouri. The rent is half  the retail shops in Gravois Bluffs, yet the location offers the same  opportunity for sales. The recently completed highway 141 offers  hundreds of thousands of local residents, shoppers from outside the area, and travelers that use this new highway. With this high concentration of customers there  are no Italian restaurants in Fenton and a tremendous need for an upscale family  restaurant that offers items for both the children and adults. This turnkey operation  seats 170 customers and  is the perfect size for a PHC family operation. With the current leasehold improvements and quality kitchen equipment it would take very little to upgrade this operation to the legendary PHC winning formula. The  growth in numbers of  high income families in the Fenton area is projected at over 30%. There is a need for a family fine dining restaurant in the Fenton area. PHC would be the perfect neighborhood restaurant in the perfect neighborhood. The Pasta House Co. in Fenton will be the second location for Dennis Boldt, who  has  operated a  successful franchise unit in High Ridge, Missouri for 20 years. The Pasta House Co. based out of St. Louis,  and now has over 34 successful company and franchise locations in the United States and Mexico. PHC Fenton will have a prime location, great food, a proven concept, super franchise support, no competition, a senior management  and crew, a fantastic neighborhood arketing program, a huge catering base to build on, personalized service in a warm Italian imported grocery store atmosphere, and the support of the community resulting in a  highly profitable PHC  restaurant in Fenton. 1. 1 Mission The Pasta House Co. mission is to be a full service, family Italian restaurant offering affordable, high quality Italian cuisine inspired by authentic family recipes. Our goal is to provide our customers with an entire dining experience that exceeds  their  expectations on every visit. We do this by recommending add-on items that will enhance their dining experience. Our restaurant is clean and the quality is always high. We value the people  who work for us. Quality employees make quality food, keep the restaurant cleaner, give better service, and stay employed longer because they like working at The Pasta House Co. We have found that friendly managers hire friendly crew people and friendly crew people attract customers. 1. 2 Objectives The objective is to purchase the current assets and leasehold improvements of the JD Drews restaurant  and convert  the existing restaurant to a  profitable and successful  Pasta  House  Co. franchise unit. I plan to duplicate the successful formula  used at The Pasta House Co. , High Ridge location that I have owned and operated for over  20 years. Using the same strategies and having an in-depth management crew to back me up  will ensure outstanding results at this new fast-growing  location. My objectives are as follows: * Provide the highest quality Pasta House Co. food and service that the community has been  receiving for over  20 years at  the High Ridge location. * Create an atmosphere where each person can work as a team member,  with clear goals and high standards  that profit everyone. Combine the corporate marketing strategies with my own to build volume quickly. * First year sales to hit between $1. 5 and $2 million with 10% growth in first few years. * High Gross margins. * Maintain food  and labor costs consistent with High Ridge. * Maintain and expand  my outstanding  reputation. * Remain a neighborhood family restaurant. * Be the first fine dinin g Italian Restaurant in Fenton (the fastest growing community in Missouri). 1. 3 Keys to Success * The Pasta House Co. name and reputation is  well known  in the  St. Louis area. The food served is voted a St. Louis favorite every year. The products we serve are of the highest quality. We combine this quality with great service and atmosphere. We then add menu items that  appeal to  all ages of the family as well as single adults. * Current management staff  and crew have a great deal of experience. * Location, Location, Location! Some people have named the intersection of Hwy 30 and 141 The Golden Circle. Fenton is the fastest growing community in the entire state of Missouri! * This shopping center location is  three years old. Every spot in the center is filled and the main anchor is a Dierbergs grocery store, the highest quality grocery chain in the area. This location offers private rooms on a reservation basis. I have developed the bulk food and catering large pa rty’s concept at my other location and plan to promote it with the party rooms. * A frequent diner program  and birthday club will be available to promote repeat customers  as well as a tool to  track sales. * Management that treats every employee equally. We create an atmosphere where employees love coming to work and can earn good money. * Great employees make for a great restaurant. The Pasta House Co. in High Ridge has been very successfully  serving the High Ridge and Fenton area for 20 years. We have sponsored 25 little league ball teams, donated to thousands of events, worked with schools and churches in Fenton to better the community, catered thousands of events in the area, and hired and worked with hundreds of young people, adults, and their families. Topic 5. 3. 1, Sales Forecast shows our tremendous yearly sales growth rate over the last 20 years. This year is on track to be another record year. Our Frequent Diner Program is in place at High Ridge with over 6,000 customers who frequent the churches. This loyalty program rewards customers with a $25. 00 Gift Certificate when they spend $250. 0, as well as a Birthday and Anniversary cards to celebrate a meal with us. The program has been a huge success for the past  three years, rewarding customers  and insuring future repeat business. Ask anyone who lives in Fenton and you will find we have developed quite a reputation in the community. The Pasta House Co. was founded in 1974, and they have built it to 34 locatio ns in Missouri, Illinois,  Kentucky, Mexico, and  The Dominican Republic. The Fenton restaurant will reflect  the intimate charm of an Italian Grocery Store with framed Italian prints and Italian American pop art. Both the menu and  ambiance  will appeal to an upscale customer as well as the entire family. Below are the current PHC Company owned locations: 1. 15601 Manchester Rd. , Ellisville, MO. 63011 2. 8213 Delmar, University City, MO 63124 3. 300 Crestwood Plaza, Crestwood, MO 63126 4. 11202 West Florissant Rd. , Florissant, MO 63033 5. 280 Northwest Plaza, St. Ann, MO 63043 6. 6214 South Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63123 7. 14 St. Louis Galleria, Richmond Heights, MO 63117 Below are the PHC franchise owned locations: 1. 1245 East Main, Carbondale, IL. 62901 2. 1020 Lincoln Ave. , Jacksonville, IL. 2650 3. 12 Chesterfield Mall, Chesterfield, MO 63017 4. 12445 Dorsett Rd. , Maryland Heights, MO 63043 5. 6570 North Illinois St. , Fairview Heights, IL 62208 6. 180 East Center Dr. , Alton, IL 62002 7. 1623 Big Bill Road, Arnold, MO 63010 8. 9012 Gravois Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63123 9. 3985 South Service Road, St. Peters, MO 63376 10. 4517 Highway 30, High Ridge, MO 63049 11. 309 North Euclid, S t. Louis, MO 63108 12. Concourse D. 10701 Lambert Intl Airport, St. Louis, Mo 13. 700 N. Ballas Rd. , St. Louis, MO 63141 14. 2800 Southwest Plaza Drive, Springfield, IL 62704 15. 300 South 44th St. Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 16. 205 Kentucky Oaks Mall, Paducah, KY 42001 17. 4204 Highway 54, Osage Beach, MO 65065 18. 155 West Park Mall, Cape Giradeau, MO 63701 19. 931 Valley Creek Dr. , Farmington, MO 63640 20. 1100 Knipp St. , Columbia, MO 65203 21. 318 East Washington, Belleville, IL 62221 22. 4109 S. National, Springfield, MO 65804 23. Ens Naco, Santa Domingo, R. D. Dominican Republic 24. St. Louis University Campus Franchise restaurants are independent franchisees of The Pasta House Company Franchises, Inc. The above franchise restaurants are each independently owned and operated. Company Summary 2. 1 Company Ownership The existing Pasta House Co. franchise in High Ridge is owned and operated by Dennis and Janice Boldt, with Dennis acting as President. It was established in 1983 under  Delex Corporation DBA/The Pasta House Co. in Gravois Village Center, High Ridge, Missouri. The proposed Fenton  franchise would be also owned and operated  by Dennis and Janice Boldt, with Dennis acting as President and Janice as Secretary/Treasurer. The new location will operate under the name Delex Corp. (second location)DBA/ The Pasta House Co. Fenton. . 2 Start-up Summary The JD Drews facility would come with all equipment, food, liquor, leasehold improvements,  employees, and management staff. We would assume the current SBA loan of $325,000, and start-up expense of $350,000. With cash input of interest-free loans  from  three different parties  totaling $75,000, the loan balance using an SBA secured loan would be $600,000 at 9. 5% interest over a 15 year term . As assets to secure the loan we would put up Delex Corp. dba The Pasta House Co. 4517 Gravois Village Center  in High Ridge, and our home if needed. A starting bank account of $90,000 will be used, only if needed, for unexpected costs associated with the start up. Start-up equipment list would include the following items: (quality used equipment will be purchase whenever possible to control costs, and then, only if equipment is in like-new condition) 1. Twenty quart Hobart mixer 2. Steam kettle 3. Refrigerated 4 drawer system 4. Refrigerated 2 drawer system 5. Pizza box refrigerated  stand alone box 6. Dessert display case 7. Eight-burner commercial gas stove 8. Commercial Parmesan cheese grinder 9. Meat slicer 10. Flip top refrigerated 6-foot saute box 11. Stand up Freezer 12. Kitchen and dining room small wares 13. Less trade-in or  sale of  used equipment not needed in the current operations. Start-up| | | Requirements| | | | Start-up Expenses| | Expensed Items| $0 | Small wares| $3,000 | Liquor License| $400 | Crew and Manger Training at High Ridge| $10,000 | Advertising| $1,000 | Insurance Deposits| $3,000 | Other Expensed Items| $0 | Total Start-up Expenses| $17,400 | | | Start-up Assets| | Cash Required| $90,000 | Start-up Inventory| $10,000 | Other Current Assets| $10,000 | Long-term Assets| $547,600 | Total Assets| $657,600 | | | Total Requirements| $675,000 | Start-up Funding| | | Start-up Expenses to Fund| $17,400 | Start-up Assets to Fund| $657,600 | Total Funding Required| $675,000 | | | Assets | | Non-cash Assets from Start-up| $567,600 | Cash Requirements from Start-up| $90,000 | Additional Cash Raised| $0 | Cash Balance on Starting Date| $90,000 | Total Assets| $657,600 | | | | | Liabilities and Capital| | | | Liabilities| | Current Borrowing| $0 | Long-term Liabilities| $600,000 | Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)| $0 | Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)| $75,000 | Total Liabilities| $675,000 | | | Capital| | | | Planned Investment| | Owner| $0 | Investor| $0 | Additional Investment Requirement| $0 | Total Planned Investment| $0 | | | Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)| ($17,400)| Total Capital| ($17,400)| | | | | Total Capital and Liabilities| $657,600 | | | Total Funding | $675,000 | Market Analysis Summary The Fenton area has 48 restaurants which include: * 18 Fast Food/Pizza/Sub Restaurants * 11 Sports bars/Up Scale Burger Restaurants * 2 Barbecue  Restaurants * 6 Chinese  Restaurants * 5 Banquet/Catering Operations * 4 Breakfast/Lunch  Restaurants 1 Upscale Full Service  Restaurant   (OCharles opened 2002) Source:   1998/2003 Market Statistics Estimates, Scan/US, Inc. (800)272-2687 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (800)272-2687  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  end_of_the_skype_highlighting The need for another fine dining family  restaurant  in the  Fenton   The marketing pl an is to provide a fine dining, full service, family  restaurant, where the entire family can enjoy a great meal, at  a reasonable price. The Pasta House Co. restaurant is the perfect neighborhood restaurant, where adults and children can always find their favorite dish, and receive consistent quality and great service. With the addition of the new Gravois Bluffs  shopping complex  less than 1/4 of a mile away, this addition will bring more  customers and families from all over St. Louis to shop and eat in the area. The market customers for The Pasta House Co. would develop from: * Local Neighborhood Marketing Program * Customer Frequent Diner Loyalty Program * Suggestive Selling Program to increase average check * Birthday and Anniversary marketing mailings * Market saturation and community outreach programs * PHC High Ridge successfully serving  customer in the community for over 20 years * PHC is known in St. Louis since 1974 * High shopping in the area * Tremendous growth in upper level family income 4. 1 Market Segmentation The market analysis table shows that within a three mile circle  98% are families. This is our customer base which we cater to. The  table below shows the tremendous growth of the Fenton area. Please take note the greater  increase in income levels the greater the projected growth levels. The chart shows the potential  upper income families who enjoy eating out. Market Analysis| | | Year 1| Year 2| Year 3| Year 4| Year 5| | Potential Customers| Growth| | | | | | CAGR| Population in Families| 5% | 113,793 | 119,710 | 125,935 | 132,484 | 139,373 | 5. 20% | Population in Non-families| 5% | 13,698 | 14,410 | 15,159 | 15,947 | 16,776 | 5. 20% | Population in Group Quarters| 5% | 1,348 | 1,415 | 1,486 | 1,560 | 1,638 | 4. 99% | Total| 5. 20% | 128,839 | 135,535 | 142,580 | 149,991 | 157,787 | 5. 20% | 4. 2 Target Market Segment Strategy Our focus is the upper income  level  families living and shopping  in the area. The Pasta House Co. will focus on the income level of at least $60,000 and above, and the 98% families living and shopping in the area. We focus on these specific groups because these are the types of people who frequent The Pasta House Co. They are the ones that are willing to spend their money on good dining and service at a value price. 4. 3 Service Business Analysis In the St. Louis market the competition for the upper level income business has been intense. National chains that were not here 10 years  ago have poured into  St. Louis. The  number of new restaurants has increased dramatically over the last several years and should continue to expand, all with the intent of capturing a portion of the upper level market. Below is a list of  new and expanding restaurants  in St. Louis:   * Macaroni Grill * Dave amp; Busters * Hard Rock Cafe * Hooters * Lone Star Steak House * Max amp; Ermas * Outback Steak House * Ruby Tuesday * St. Louis Bread Company * Bandana * Chevys * Fridays * OMacaroni * Olive Garden * California Pizza Kitchen * Tippins (out of business December 2002) * Chilis * Crazy Fish (Closed July 2003) * Red Robin (Opened July 2002) * The Cheese Cake Factory  (Opened November 2002) * Smoky Bones (Opened January 2003) * P. F. Changs (Opened December 2002) In the year 2002 McDonalds  no longer held the title as having  the most  locations in the United States. There are now more Subway restaurants in the U. S. than McDonalds. Many of the above restaurant chains will find the St. Louis area a  very competitive market. The restaurants that are still standing several years from now will be the ones who provided customers with the best product, at the best price and consistently exceeded their customers’ expectations. The Pasta House Co. will be a major player in St. Louis no matter what players are still  around. 4. 3. 1 Competition and Buying Patterns PHC High Ridge: Owned and Operated by Dennis Boldt for 20 years. (Sister Store to Fenton) Located only four miles away this Pasta House Co. ocation is in Jefferson County and seems to be outside the normal traffic patterns of the customers who live in the Fenton area. Increases in business have  shown a steady growth and should continue. We have found that over 90% of our customers come from west, south and east of the store. Because the store is located in Jefferson County, most c ustomers who live in Fenton  do not travel west  towards rural Jefferson County. With our Frequent Diner customer base we estimate  a loss in business from the customers who would  go to the new location would be about 5% of sales. This would be only a short lived loss as the entire area is growing at a  tremendous rate. OCharles: Opened in 2002, Located 1/4 of a mile away in the new Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center OCharles has a better location with a free standing building in the new Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center. They offer a full service fine dining family atmosphere. This national chain offers a complete menu of items, including a childrens menu. The inside of the restaurant is very nice, with fine woods and a warm atmosphere. Local community involvment is limited. They seem to market towards adults more than children. Given the choice, kids will choose Pasta House every time. Un-tested long term growth and management abilities. Red Robin: Opened in 2002, Located 1/4 of a mile away in the new Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center Red Robin is an  up-scale burger  restaurant with a big name and big look inside. It took over  two years to open this store because of franchise problems. Food items are served in  plastic baskets, this concept is more of an up-scale fast food  establishment than a fine dining concept. Limited adult menu, lots of noise, high priced drinks, no local marketing, and lack of a long-term track record in St. Louis  all limit this  restaurant  as real competition. Smoky Bones:  To Open in 2003 in the  Gravois Bluffs Shopping Center   This is a new concept restaurant and is backed by the Red Lobster  Corporation. Not a lot  is known about this  restaurant  expect they have a big name behind them and a great free standing location. Limited menu, no local marketing, and lack of a long-term track record  also limit this  restaurant as real competition. Strategy and Implementation Summary Every customer who has eaten at a Pasta House Co. is a potential customer. The better we run this Pasta House location the more business we will do. Customers will know that they can get better quality PHC food at this location. They will know that the service is better, and the people are better. The look of the new location will be fresh and clean. The area needs a fine dining family restaurant. The area needs a big name local operation with a home-grown name like The Pasta House Co. 5. 1 Competitive Edge This is what gives us the competitive edge to insure a profitable home-grown expansion: * Proven Pasta House Co. concept since 1974 * Proven track record of PHC High Ridge serving the area for over 20 years * Best home-grown training in the industry Senior PHC High Ridge  management  and crew to open with * Local marketing in all age ranges * Known costs with purchase of an turnkey restaurant * Current staff and management  from JD  Drews * Close and strong support of PHC  President and Senior Management * Strong food and supply vendors with very high quality products * On-going support from PHC Corporation 5. 2 Mark eting Strategy We at The Pasta House Co. ,  including all management,  crew personnel, supervisors, vendors, design people, family and friends,  and new hires will put forth  100%  effort to insure a profitable opening and on-going operations. A fine tuned advertising  campaign  and new store opening has been developed by The Pasta House Co. president Kim Tucci. Construction is handled by Joe Fresta who has built and opened over 31 locations. 5. 3 Sales Strategy The sales strategy is to sign up as many frequent diner customers as possible at the new location as well as High Ridge. Using the Frequent Diner Program in place a High Ridge for  three years, we plan to further cement the loyal customers in the area. We will honor  6,000 club members with  points at both locations. We plan on taking advantage of  The Pasta House Co. arket  saturation in St. Louis. We will build and expand  on that customer base by exceeding customer’s expectations. This will bring back old customers and  bring in new customers to the Fenton location. We plan on up-selling customers with our current suggestive selling program. From the hostess to the waiters and waitress our staff has successfully increased the average che ck for add-on sales from 5% of the average check three years ago to over 13%. This insures an increase in profit without having to depend on an increase in customer counts or price increases. 5. 3. Sales Forecast A sales forecast of 5. 0% increase in volume over the current High Ridge location is based on the following: * Increased visibility and known area of St. Louis. Everyone knows where Fenton is, and  few know where High Ridge  is located. * Increased   traffic flow with the intersection of Highways 141  and 30, with over double the traffic in the area. * Increased customers staying in the area to shop. Two major shopping centers compared to a 20 year old strip center. * Increased retail employee business. * 26% larger space inside, with 30% more customer  seating. Outside  seating area during the  spring through  fall seasons  increases the seating by 60% over HR. * Brand new PHC look inside. * Private rooms available, to cater private parties. * Closer to t he  eight hotels in the area. * Better location closer to St. Louis, where the action is. 5. 4 Milestones I have full confidence in all of the managers, designers, and PHC people who will make this a huge success. DENNIS BOLDT * SBA loan and Business Plan * Bank Account * Franchise Purchase * Legal and review of Lease * Equipment Purchase * Sign Purchases and install Software POS system install * Corporation set up, Insurance, Deposits, Liquor License * PHC Design Work with Joe Fresta of The Pasta House Co. * Oversee entire transformation and operations of the group VINCE LARATTA * Crew and manager hiring and training * New equipment installed * Food amp; liquor purchases delivery and stocking * Crew and manager scheduling * Maintenance and repairs * Advertising JAN BOLDT/CAROLYN FINCH AND COMPANY (team of 6 designers from Tulsa, OK) * PHC design work walls and floors design with Joe Fresta of PHC * Shelving nd displays in place * Design of dining room look * Record keeping of pur chases and budget * Permits, liquor licenses, start up requirements paperwork Joe Fresta, Vice President of the Pasta House Co. * PHC design work and construction work * Oversee display of dining room * Oversee kitchen equipment purchase and layout * Advise owner when needed Web Plan Summary The Pasta House Co. Corporation   has a website at www. pastahouse. com. In the year 2004 we plan on setting up a website for PHC High Ridge and PHC Fenton that will be linked to the corporate website. Using their format our site will include information about our local franchise units, however we plan on expanding the marketing of using a website by customers and the crew. In this age of communication more and more customers look to a website for information and assistance in purchasing products. We will be part of that great communication tool used by everyone every day. 6. 1 Website Marketing Strategy Marketing in an Internet retail business depends on recognition for expertise. It starts with our existing store front customer base, informing them of our Internet presence and encouraging their word-of-mouth recommendations to others. As linked to www. pastahouse. com  corporate website our local customer can come to our site for a more local flavor and personal assistance for their needs. We will develop and maintain a database of  our 6,000  loyalty Frequent Diner customers. From there the  website will  serve the following needs of our customer base. * Provide local information about our PHC locations to the local community * New customers can sign up for our   frequent diner/birthday programs * Customers can check their Frequent Diner points online * Catering information and contacts provided Provide references and pictures of  successful catering jobs * With a special password, crew can check their schedule on a moments notice * Purchase Gift Certificates from our stores * Purchase the new Gift Cards * Purchase retail items on line and have them shipped as gifts * Gift Basket information (Gift Baskets are sold at High Ridge and Fenton location only) * Employment information online * Company wide promotions and new store openings * Promotional coupons online * Provide new food items in the restaurant General information on other events in the area 6. 2 Development Requirements Because corporate PHC  has a website, I plan on working very closely with their Web designer. Each year the best websites are posted at www. techtv. com. Using this source will enable me to enhance our website to a simple but very effective tool to increase sales at the retail level. Development of the site will change based on our customers’ needs now and in the future as new ideas come forward for using this communication tool. Management Summary The management team to run  the day-to-day operations and shifts  at the new location will include Dennis Boldt, Vince Laratta, Denise Shaw, an additional dining room manager, and a kitchen manager, both  to be named closer to the  opening date. The High Ridge managers will include, Dennis Boldt, Janet Boxx, two new managers and a kitchen manager to be named later. People are the single most important element in our operations We value the managers and staff as the single most important element in running a quality operation; the managers need to be all on the same page of operations. We have found that friendly strong managers make friendly strong crew people. From that crew comes the next generation of managers and a quality operation. The customers can see it in the quality of the food, how clean the store is and how friendly and fast they are served. In the past 19 years we have had  eight crew people go on to become managers at other Pasta House locations and other restaurants. We also have a deep bench to select our management team from. The current  JD Drews  store  also has managers that I have been told are doing a fine job. We will consider them as manager andidates and make decisions based on the best interests of the restaurant. Below is our management game plan: FENTON MANAGEMENT STAFF DENNIS BOLDT, PRESIDENT/OWNER OPERATOR * Owner Operator of The Pasta House Co. franchise located in High Ridge since 1983 * Duties: strategic development, back-office administration, financial analysis, internal control, taxes and accounting records,  payroll,   daily operations, quality control, advertising, food costs, labor costs, liquor cost, oversee management controls, maintenance and repairs, and building the business  profits. VINCE LARATTA, GENERAL MANAGER General Manager of  The Pasta House Co. High Ridge for 15 years. Before that Vince worked as a waiter at several Pasta House locations. * Duties:  daily operations, new management development, scheduling, ordering, food, labor, and liquor controls, quality controls, maintenance/repairs,  crew training,  employment, crews hourly wages,  pay increases, and overall  store operations. DENICE SHAW, DINING ROOM MANAGER/KITCHEN MANAGER * Kitchen Manager of  The Pasta House Co. High Ridge for 4 years Denise has recently completed training, been promoted to Dining Room manager and has been running shifts for the past year. On her  fifth year as a manager Denise has a real talent for  dealing with all aspects of the business. * Duties:  daily operations, ordering, inventory, quality controls, kitchen procedures, labor and food costs controls, scheduling,  new hires,  crew moral, and overall kitchen operations. Denise will use her experience to train and oversee the new kitchen manager coming on board. HIGH RIDGE MANAGEMENT STAFF DENNIS BOLDT, OWNER OPERATOR/PRESIDENT * Dennis will work 2-3 shifts per week as the manager on duty at High Ridge until management staff can be trained and cover the shifts. JANET BOXX, GENERAL manager PHC HIGH RIDGE * Kitchen crew person, kitchen manager, Dining Room manager, and general manager for The Pasta House Co. for 13 years. Janet has done a fine job at PHC High Ridge as a manager for the past  eight years. One of Janets strengths is her ability to deal with people. Because of Janet and her people skills we have lost very few crew people to other locations. * Duties: daily operations,  scheduling, ordering, food, labor, and liquor controls, quality controls, crew training,  employment, and overall  store operations. POSSIBLE EMPLOYEES TO PROMOTE TO MANAGEMENT (not in any order) Al Fillenwarth, waiter  PHC  High Ridge 16 years. Al has  his  Masters Degree in accounting and is recognized as a leader among the crew. Ryan  Mulligan,  lead cook for High Ridge for  six years. Presently working with the State of Missouri and wants to get back into the restaurant  business as a kitchen manager. Janet  Koth, manager for  High Ridge  for  10 years is presently going to school part time and working at another restaurant. Janet was a  fine manager for me for  four years before she and her sister  opened their own kitchen in central  Missouri. Sara Armstrong, PHC High Ridge kitchen employee for  three years, Sara went on to work at several other  restaurants and is currently the kitchen manager of another restaurant. Sara has 10 years of kitchen experience and would be considered for the kitchen manager position if she is interested. Anna Minney, PHC employee for 16 years, has worked as our secretary at High Ridge for the past  five years. Anna has the respect of the crew as a manager and knows all aspects of the operation. Steve Bewig,   PHC lead cook  at High Ridge has excellent cooking skills and would make a fine kitchen manager. Bill Hobbs,  current manager JD Drews Bill has been the dining room manager for JD Drews for the past  three years and has worked with the owner for the past  seven years. Bill comes highly recommended as a manager. Ron Caputa,  dining room manager JD Drews Ron has been the dining room manager   for the past  three years and comes highly dining room from the current owner . As we get closer to opening the management personnel will firm up with the above candidates and others they may come into the picture. We will not promote a person who is not right for the position. Shifts will be covered with current candidate’s staff at both locations until the right person can be promoted. The entire candidate’s staff must act as a solid team. 7. 1 Personnel Plan Management fixed  costs at the Fenton location  is as follows: * Dennis Boldt @ $30,000 * Vince Laratta @ $60,000 * Denise Shaw @$39,000 * Dining Room Manager @ $32,000 * Kitchen Manager @ $25,000 * Total  Management Costs   $186,000 Management Team at High Ridge * Dennis Boldt * Janet Boxx * Dining Room Manager * Dining Room Manager * Kitchen Manager Kitchen labor at both locations would be  11. 3% of sales. Dining Room  labor at both locations would be  6. 1% of sales. Payroll taxes  10% of sales. Financial Plan 1. Growth will be moderate, cash flows steady. 2. Sales increase at a steady rate of 4% per year. 3. Costs will increase at a rate of 1% to 2% per year. 4. The company will invest residual profits into financial markets and not company expansion (unless absolutely necessary). 5. General maintenance and repairs will be kept up to maintain a solid operation. 6. Future cash investments will use NPV projections to achieve maximum return with limited risk. 8. 1 Important Assumptions The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table as annual figures. The key underlying assumptions are: * We assume JD Drews will be unable to make their note payment or lease payment and will have to default on their loans. * We assume that we will  take over the  SBA note payment and acquire all of the assets and leasehold improvements. * We assume the equipment is in good working order. * We assume this will happen in the next  three to six months. * We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession. * We assume that there are no unforeseen changes in the expectancy in the popularity of our candidates. We assume access to  loans and financing are sufficient to maintain and fulfill our financial plan as shown in the tables. * We assume the landlord will have no problem allowing us to take over the current  lease. * We assume The Pasta House Co. will approve our leasehold improvements and budget. 8. 2 Projected Profit and Loss The most important assumption in the Projected Profit and Loss statement is the gross margin. Although it d oesnt jump drastically in the first year, over time the restaurant will develop its customer base and reputation and the growth will pick up more rapidly towards the fourth and fifth years of business. Month-by-month assumptions for profit and loss are included in the appendix. 8. 3 Projected Cash Flow The cash flow depends on assumptions for inventory turnover, payment days, and accounts receivable management. Our projected same-day collections are critical, and are reasonable and customary in the restaurant industry. We do not expect to need significant additional support even when we reach the less profitable months, as they are expected. The  first  six months of PHC openings have shown huge sales volumes. We expect this volume; however our projections do not reflect  this high volume. We have done this in the event there are normal sales  during the first  six months. 8. 4 Projected Balance Sheet The projected Balance Sheet is quite solid. We do not anticipate difficulty meeting our debt obligations providing that we achieve our specific goals. 8. 5 Business Ratios We expect our net profit margin, and gross margin to increase steadily over the three-years. Our net working capital will increase by year three, proving that we have the cash flows to remain a going concern. The following table shows these important financial ratios. Industry profile ratios based

30 Nautical Expressions

30 Nautical Expressions 30 Nautical Expressions 30 Nautical Expressions By Mark Nichol Last week, I listed fifty nautical terms originating from seafaring jargon but extended by analogy, with new meanings, to general usage. This roster includes idioms and expressions derived from nautical phrases, many of them originally codified as commands. 1. Abandon ship: an order given when a vessel is disabled or about to sink (give up on an idea or project) 2. All hands on deck: an order for all crew members to assemble in an emergency (a call for everyone available to be available to assist with an activity or event) 3. Anchor’s aweigh: a comment made when a vessel’s anchor is clear of the ocean floor and the vessel can leave its anchorage; sometimes pluralized to â€Å"anchors aweigh† and occasionally misspelled â€Å"anchors away† (a reference to being ready to go) 4. Batten down (the hatches): an order to secure hatches and doors and, when simply rendered â€Å"batten down,† all gear (prepare for criticism or opposition) 5. Bear a hand: an order to assist in the performance of an action (help) 6. Bear down (on): overtake (apply additional effort) 7. Bitter end: the last segment of a rope or chain (the final portion of a difficult or unpleasant task or occurrence) 8. Cast off: let go (remove or throw away) 9. Come around: turn into the wind (align oneself with another way of thinking) 10. Dead ahead: in front of the vessel directly along its center line (straight ahead) 11. Even keeled: well balanced said of a vessel (steady, even tempered) 12. Fend off: push off when landing in a boat so as to avoid damage or upset (defend oneself from others or keep them away) 13. Gangway: an area on a vessel for embarking and disembarking (a warning to move out of the way) 14. Gone overboard: fallen over the side (said of one who has veered too far from the norm in one’s actions or opinions) 15. Keep a sharp lookout: an order to be especially vigilant in watching for hazards (be alert) 16. On deck: present for duty (in baseball, taking one’s place in a special area when one is next up at bat; in general, next in line or about to be presented) 17. Pay out: steadily slacken a line (distribute payment) 18. Pass down the line: relay an order (convey news or information in a series or to others) 19. Pass the word: repeat an order (convey news or information to others) 20. Run aground: striking the ocean floor with the hull of a vessel (halted because of a lack of resources, or reached an impasse) 21. Set a course: steer the vessel toward the intended destination (specify policy or a course of action) 22. Shake a leg: make haste (move quickly) 23. Shoot across the bow: fire a weapon in front of a vessel to signal that it should halt, at the risk of attack if the warning shot is ignored (express a comment or perform an action that signals intent in order to determine the likely response to a subsequent comment or action) 24. Sound out: determine the depth of a body of water (obtain someone’s opinion or reaction) 25. Stand by: an order to await further commands (wait) 26. Stem the tide: steer directly into a current or waves (prevent a mounting force or threat) 27. Stem to stern: the forward end of the bow to the rear part of the vessel; the entire vessel (front to back, beginning to end, or all-inclusive) 28. Storm warning: an announcement of a coming storm (a harbinger of danger or threat) 29. Three sheets to the wind: sailing with sails unsecured (drunk) 30. Wide berth: a significant distance between one vessel and another (plenty of space) Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:List of Greek Words in the English LanguageDozen: Singular or Plural?

Religion, Feminism, and Environmentalism Research Paper - 1

Religion, Feminism, and Environmentalism - Research Paper Example Women who are both religious and in support of the efforts of the women’s movement have sought common ground in order to actively pursue ecological interests. In comparing Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist faiths in context with women’s movements, it is clear they are actively interested in both principles of equality and ecology where common ground can be found which unites these belief systems. Ecological feminism is a theory that combines feminist ideals and motivations with a concern with preserving the world through ecological perspectives. Warren and Cheney write that â€Å"Ecological feminism is a feminism which attempts to unite the demands of the women's movement with those of the ecological movement in order to bring about a world and worldview that are not based on socioeconomic and conceptual structures of domination†. The marriage of the women’s movement and ecological interests is not new and can be seen in many cultures, including in Brazil whe re the women’s movement and the landless people movement were grew together in order to support the concept of living off of the land in a communal and freedom based environment that was contextually absent of consumerist interests. This was done in order to support the weak and the marginalized in a meaningful and bountiful way.2 It may be that the problems within the environment are some of the most serious problems that are being faced in the 21st century as the economy and the act of working is based upon consumerism which often strips resources and fundamentally changes ecological systems both nonhuman and human.3 The idea of ecological feminist movements are often based upon practical solutions to social problems where in the shadow of patriarchy and male dominance, alternatives to participation in economies where there are disadvantaged women find ways in which to focus on less economically based roots of survival. Hindu The traditions of India were always based upon e cological principles in which sustainability was a driving force behind decision making in relationship to resources. Religious texts such as the Vedas and Puranas supported environmental ethics as well as the Advaita philosophy that â€Å"acquires a cosmic character as it considers all living beings to be God’s creation†4 This is the basis of Indian belief systems that place importance on reverence for the Earth. However, industrialization and the formation of larger cities as centers of employment have led to deforestation and he disruption of what had been carefully attended ecologies, specifically affecting women who depend more on the natural world for their sustenance and methods of earning a living. The development of environmental movements have allowed women a common cause that does not run contrary to other cultural belief systems, but allows them to assert themselves into the public discourse. The extremes of poverty sometimes prevent women in India to becom e activists, but it galvanizes others.5 In India, the issues of ecology and sustainability are integral to the needs of many women who are struggling with extremes of poverty that is heightened by destruction of resources that would have otherwise supported them. As in most nations, women in India are among the poorest demographic, with urbanization pushing women into the workforce at a higher rate of 19.5%, which leaves them in marginalized social positions in low paying jobs.6 The issue of ecological irresponsibility affects these women directly as their tradition and culture is irrevocably changed, the sustainability of the ecology is

IBM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

IBM - Essay Example rless cars and the use of big data systems to understand and predict human behavior and human and other physical and social systems (Hewett et al., 1996; National Science Foundation, 2014; Sankar, 2012). At IBM the work on human-computer interaction is extensive and goes back through time, evidenced by the presence of academic and scientific studies dating back to at least the late 1990s with works such as those relating to determining the intention of humans to speak to computers in systems that are able to detect human language, for instance. The cues in this latter example are detected by computers not only through voice but also through visuals, indicating an ability on the part of the computer to interact with humans on the level of sight and voice (Cuetos and Neti, n.d.; Neti et al., n.d.). Elsewhere IBM makes use of other terms to discuss and evolve technologies that amount to variations of the same set of technologies related to HCI, and a standout term that IBM has come to u se of late is the term and concept of cognitive computing (IBM, 2015). An example of cognitive computing breakthroughs and projects that IBM has come to pursue of late is evolving the natural language processing capabilities of its computing systems, making use of Watson for instance as a model and a repository of what IBM has developed in this area. In Watson for instance, the test of effective HCI was its joining and winning a Jeopardy Challenge in the early part of 2011, besting some very tough human competition. This is an instance of HCI in IBM breaking ground to the extent that computing systems are able to match and surpass the cognitive capabilities of the most successful human contestants (IBM, 2015b). More pragmatic applications of HCI at IBM include using HCI advances to further the interaction between humans and business systems to improve productivity for instance, and to extend the advances to the management of systems of business IT (IBM, 2015c; Muller and Druin,

Magna Carta for Students Essay Example for Free

Magna Carta for Students Essay EXPLANATORY NOTE One of the biggest foundations of a progressive nation is an educated population. Development in the different areas of knowledge such a science and technology, business, medicine, social science and others have brought about drastic advancement in our present society. In an increasingly demanding and dynamic global economy, competitiveness, more than an advantage, is a must. As expressed in the Philippine Constitution, education is one of the priorities of the State. Aside from the basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing, it is one of the primary necessities that the State should provide for its constituents. While the private sector is an active participant in the promotion of education at present, the governrnent should still lead in ensuring its quality and accessibility. It should be recognized that the full development of the students is not dependent merely on books and lectures. Aside from providing them with an environment conductive to learning, it is the duty of the State to ensure the quality of education that goes beyond the corners of the classroom; for indeed the true lessons in life are gained in the real world. However, the present formal educational system has, in one way or another, deprived the students of the chance to develop their full potential. This Magna Carta for Students intends to equalize the chance of the students to admission in school and to avail of competent and quality education. It seeks to provide measures to ensure that the students are able to exercise their rights to organize, right to participate in policy-making, right to academic freedom, and right to free expression and information. For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Senator FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) ) ) HI SENATE Senate Bill No. JUl. -8 A9 :(). :i 911 INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MAGNA CARTA OF STUDENTS Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Students. Title. This Act shall be known as the Magna Carta of CHAPTER I GENERAL PRINCIPLES SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to promote and protect the rights of students to enable them to participate actively and effectively in the democratic processes of effective progressive and developmental changes in society. SEC. 3. Guiding Principles. This Act declares the following as basic guiding principles: (a) The formal educational system being the principal institutional mechanism for imparting knowledge and developing skills is given priority attention and support by the govemment. Education is a right and not a mere privilege. It is therefore the responsibility of the State to provide quality education accessible at all curriculum levels. Student organizations enhance democratic processes on the campus. Membership and active which promote and protect students rights and welfare and\or contribute to national development shall be guaranteed by the State and school authorities. Student organizations shall not be subject to rules and regulations that unduly hamper their activities and are prejudicial to their objectives and interests, provided such objectives, activities and interests are with the schools mission. Student councils\governments being the most representative of the studentry and the highest expression of student power on campus shall be consulted in the formulation of school policies directly affecting students. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) . (g) Student publication shall serve as a principal, medium for free and responsible expression, dissemination of information, and interaction, among the different sectors of the academic community . With their democratic rights guaranteed, students can serve as a potent and cogent force in the countrys social transformation. SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean: (a) Student any person enrolled in school in post secondary, tertiary, graduate and post graduate levels, including vocational and technical education. School any private, public or government-run and funded academic educational institution offering any or all courses in the above-mentioned levels. School campus the totality of all contiguous or proximate buildings, grounds and other facilities designed by the school as areas or facilities for the use of its students. Governing Board the highest policy making body of the school such as: Board of Directors, Trustees or Regents. Student Council/Government the body representing the whole student population in one school or school campus whose officers are annually elected at large by the whole student population pursuant to its constitution and by-laws, if any. Council of Leaders the body composed of the heads of various stUdent organizations chaired by the President/Chairman of the Student Council. Tuition Fee The fee representing direct costs of instructions, training and other related activities, and the use of school facilities. The term other school fees refers to fees which cover other necessary costs supportive of instruction, including but not limited to medical and dental, athletic, library, laboratory, and Citizen Army Training (CAT) or Citizen Military Training (CMT) fees. CHAPTER II RIGHT TO ADMISSION AND QUALITY EDUCATION SEC. 5. Admission. . (a) No student shall be denied admission to any school on account of his/her physical handicap, socio-economic status, political or religious beliefs, or shall pregnant students and certified reformed drug abusers be discriminated against. A student shall have the right to freely choose his/her field of study subject to existing curricula and the instituti. ons admissions policies and to continue his/her course up to graduation except in case of academic deficiency, inability to meet program requirement, or violation of disciplinary regulations which do not infringe upon the exercise of students rights. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (b) SEC. 6. Rights to Competent Instruction and Relevant Quality Education. Every student shall have the right to competent instruction and quality education to relevant to his/her personal and cultural development and  that of the nation, and commensurate to the school fees paid, and for state institutions, public subsidies granted. Students shall have the right to make a written evaluation of the performance of their teachers toward the end of the school term. SEC. 7. Right to Adequate Student Services and Academic Facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the school administration to provide the students with adequate student services and academic facilities commensurate to the school fees paid, and for SCUs, public subsidies granted. CHAPTER III RIGHT TO ORGANIZE SEC. 8. Right to Organize among Themselves. Unity and collective effort being fundamental to the realization of common goal and the promotion and protection of common interest, the State recognizes the right of student to organize among themselves . . The rights of student to form, assist, or join any campus organization, alliance or federation, not contrary to the school mission, for their physical, intellectual, moral, cultural, spiritual and political interest shall not be abridged. SEC. 9. Student Council/Government. The State shall ensure the democratic and autonomous existence of student councils/governments. Pursuant thereto, there shall be one student council/government for each school campus, which shall be given recognition by the school, colleges and universities concerned. It shall have its own. set of officers elected in annual popular elections. Every student council/government shall have the right to determine its policies and program on student activities subject to this duly ratified charter or constitution, school rules and regulation, and state policy. SEC. 10. Recognition of and Granting of privileges to Student Organizations. No unreasonable requirements shall be imposed on student organizations seeking recognition. The guidelines concerning recognition shall be formulated by the Student Affairs Office in consultation with the student council. The process for seeking recognition shall begin upon the submission to the Student Affairs Office by the organization concerned on its (1) concept paper and constitution; and (2) a formal letter addressed to the Student Affairs stating that the organizations intent to be recognized. Recognition will be granted by the Students affairs Office upon compliance with the guidelines. There shall be no discrimination in the assignment of school facilities and granting of other privileges to student organizations. Excessive charges for the use of school facilities shall be prohibited. Whenever possible the school administration shall allow stud~nt organizations to use school facilities free of charge. SEC. 11. Coordination of Student Organizations Activities. All on and off campus activities of student organization shall be coordinated by the student council/government in consultation with the Student affairs office. The Committee on Elections (COMELEC) constituted to conduct the election of the officers of the student council/government shall be composed solely of bona fide student of the school. The conduct of the student council election shall be held in coordination with the Student Affairs Office. SEC. 12. Prohibition against the Use of Force and Exaction and Excessive. All campus organization shall be prohibited from using force in initiation and from exacting excessive fees from their members, as well as in their other students activities. CHAPTER IV RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN POLICY MAKING SEC. 13. Representation in policy-making process. The student shall be represented in policy-making bodies (other than the governing board) which directly affect their welfare, especially in curriculum review, student discipline and academic standards. The representatives shall be designed by the student council. SEC. 14. Student Initiative and Referendum. The student council/government through a majority vote of all the members of the student body shall have the right to initiate the formulation, modification or rejection of a school policy affecting the students. The proposition for the formulation, modification or rejection of a school policy affecting the students shall be submitted to and approved by a majority of votes casts by all bona fide students of the school in an areas shall be excluded from the power of students on initiative or referendum: (a) admission; (b) curriculum; gc) faculty recruitment and tenure; (d) rules on student conduct and discipline; (e) tuition fees; and (f) scholastic rules (e. g.academic credits and retention and graduation of students). CHAPTER V RIGHT TO FREE EXPRESSION AND INFORMATION AND RIGHT TO ACADEMIC FREEDOM , SEC. 15. Right to be Informed. The right of the student to be given information upon request on matters directly affecting their welfare shall be recog ·nized. SEC. 16. Freedom of Expression. Subject to existing laws and school rules and regulations, students shall have the right to freely express their view and opinions. SEC. 17. Academic Freedom. Students academic freedom shall subject to school rules and regulations and the exercise by the school and members of the faculty of their respective academic freedom, consist of, but is not limited to, the following rights: (a) To conduct research in connection with academic work, and to freely discuss and publish their findings and recommendations; (b) To conduct inquiry in curricular and extracurricular activities within the campus and in appropriate circumstances; (c) To choose a field of study for research and to pursue the quest for truth; to express their opinion on any subject of public or general concern which directly or indirectly affects the students of the educational system; (d) To invite off-campus speakers or resource persons to student sponsored assemblies, fora, symposia, and other activities of similar nature; (e) To express contrary interpretation or dissenting opinions inside and outside the classroom; (f) To participate in the drafting of a new curriculum and in the review or revision of the old; and (g) To participate in the drafting and/or revising of the student handbook which shall include the school rules and regulations, a copy of which shall be furnished the students upon admission to the school. , CHAPTER VI . RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS IN DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS . SEC. 18. Right to Due Process. (a) (b) A student subject tot disciplinary proceedings shall have the right to defend himself/herself, to be heard and to present evidence on his/her behalf before an impartial body. There shall be a Student Disciplinary Board to be composed of two (2) representatives form the school administration, one (1) faculty member, and two (2) students to conduct investigations into and decide on cases student violation of disciplinary standards. The blacklisting, expulsion, suspension and other such disciplinary sanctions that may be taken against a student shall not be valid unless the following rights have been observed: (1) the right to be informed in writing of the nature and cause of the accusations against his/her; (2) the right to confront witnesses against him/her and to have full access to the evidence on the case; (3) the right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a represented or counsel of his/her choice, adequate time being given for the preparation of a defense; (4) the right to a hearing before the student Disciplinary Board; (5) the right against self incrimination; and (6) the right to appeal adverse decisions of the Student Disciplinary Board to the governing board and ultimately to the appropriate education agencies. (c) The decision in any disciplinary proceeding must be rendered in the basis of relevant and sUbstantial evidence presented at the hearing, or at least contained in the record and disclosed to the student affected. The deciding body must act on its own independent consideration of the facts of the case. The body should, in all controversial questions, render its decision in such a manner that the issues involved, and the reasons for any decision made are clear to the student. (d) Disciplinary sanctions shall be corrective rather publish on a periodic basis acts which are deem violate or school rules and regulations and the corresponding disciplinary sanctions do not violate the rights guaranteed herein and under the Constitution. CHAPTER VII OTHER RIGHTS SEC. 19. Right Against Unreasonable Searches and Seizures. Every student shall be free from any form of unreasonable search and seizure. Except for the following instances no search or seizure of a student shall be deemed valid: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Searches made at the point of ingress and egress by authorized personnel of the school. Searches and seizures of illegal article or articles falling in the plain view of duly authorized personnel; Searches and seizures of articles that are illegal, discovered inadvertently by duly authorized personnel; Searches made when the student is about to commit, is committing or has just committed a crime or a serious infraction of the schools rules and regulations; Searches made with a valid search warrant. Articles seized in violation of the here above mentioned provided rights shall not be used as evidence against the student in any disciplinary action that may be brought against him/her. SEC. 20. Access to School Records and Issuance of Official Certificates. Subject to the provision of the following section, every student shall have access to her/him own school record, the confidentiality of which the school shall  ·maintain. He/she shall have the right to be issued official certificates, diplomas, transcript of records, grades, transfer credentials and other similar documents within thirty (30) days from the filing of request and accomplishment of all pertinent requirements. SEC. 21. Unpaid Tuition Fees and Examination. No student shall be prohibited from taking a periodic or final examination because of unpaid tuition and other fees under the established terms of payment prescribed by the school concemed and approved by the appropriate education agency. Students with delinquent fees permitted to take an examination shall nevertheless be subject to the right of the school concerned to withhold the release or issuance of such students school records or of the documents mentioned in the preceding section or to deny such students admission at the next succeeding term or year until the prior delinquencies are fully paid.

food :: essays research papers

Anemia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemo  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Anorexia nervosa is primarily an illness that manifests itself in the mind. A person afflicted with this disease refuses food because of a debilitating fear that he or she will gain weight. The word anorexia means absence of hunger; orexia: the Greek word for appetite and the prefix an- meaning without. This self-starvation does more damage than the anorexic may realize. Without sustenance, the body is unable to work properly and keep a homeostasis so it tries to adapt to the â€Å"diet† by slowing down to reserve calories or energy. This slowing down of the metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure is not the only consequence; the chemicals derived from food which are no longer available cause most if not all organ systems not to work sufficiently. The cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and digestive system are all hindered and possibly damaged by lack of a healthy diet. Luckily, with further research of the human genome, two new hormones were found that may help treat those who suffer from anorexia. Medication alone is not beneficial in recovering from anorexia, psychotherapy as well as a new structured diet are all key components in becoming a healthy functioning person once again. globin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Anorexia nervosa is primarily an illness that manifests itself in the mind. A person afflicted with this disease refuses food because of a debilitating fear that he or she will gain weight. The word anorexia means absence of hunger; orexia: the Greek word for appetite and the prefix an- meaning without. This self-starvation does more damage than the anorexic may realize. Without sustenance, the body is unable to work properly and keep a homeostasis so it tries to adapt to the â€Å"diet† by slowing down to reserve calories or energy. This slowing down of the metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure is not the only consequence; the chemicals derived from food which are no longer available cause most if not all organ systems not to work sufficiently.

Gender determination Essay

When an individual is born, he or she has male or female sexual organs and this determines the sex of that individual and consequently how the society expects that person to behave. Gender is different however, in that it transcends the simple biological explanation of why one is a boy and another is a girl. This paper will focus on what makes one a girl putting aside the fact that one was born one. It will also look at the possibility of an individual being born a girl but changing to become a boy. How and why this is done is also part of the discussion. Gender is described as â€Å"the socially constructed roles, behaviour, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women† (http://www. who. int). This means that to be masculine or feminine depends on a society and not only on the sexual organs that one is born with. Once an individual is born, the society teaches him or her how to behave according to the expectations that specific society has for an individual belonging to his or her particular sex. Every society has some roles that are assigned to male and female members of the society and this determines whether one is male or female. The question then becomes whether one is born with his or her gender or this is learned from the society that one grows in. In my own case, attending a girl’s school determined my becoming feminine and thus becoming a girl despite the fact that I was born a girl. In the school, only girls were around and thus were the only role models that I had. This meant that I only had other girls to emulate in my behaviour and my peers were also girls so together we all aspired to be better girls. The teachers we had were also keen on ensuring that we were trained on how girls should behave in certain occasions and also which aspects were to be admired in a girl and which were abhorrent in a female. This shows that one can be trained to become feminine or masculine but it is important to note that it is not always so. This can be demonstrated by the number of girls who would get into trouble with the teachers for playing truant yet this was supposed to be an undesirable trait for girls and hence was dissuaded. These girls were given the same training as all their peers yet tended to behave differently causing one to question whether gender is completely determined by the society (Morrow 1991). Despite the question that is posed above, it is clear that girls who are educated in girl’s only schools are usually more feminine than those who attend mixed schools. This is because those in mixed schools are not controlled as much as those in girls only schools. The environment they are reared in leans more towards femininity and thus tends to discourage any behaviour that is seen to be masculine. The lack of an alternative form of behaviour leads to their feminine behaviour although some will try deviate by doing what they think others are doing elsewhere (Askew & Davey 2005). This then leads to the question whether or not one can change from being a girl into a boy? Apart from the biological way, culture has two different ways of changing an individual’s gender. This can either be done by changing the culture one has been brought up in or by being brought up in an environment that emphasises the behaviour of the opposite sex (Watney 1994). Since gender is determined by the roles that a society assigns to each sex, ones gender can change depending on the culture one finds him or herself in at a particular time. Roles assigned to the sexes by different cultures differs and are interchanged whereby roles assigned to women in one culture may be assigned to men in another culture. In this way a male in one culture may be seen to be feminine in another thus changing a male into a female or vice versa. Another way that one can change ones gender is by rearing a girl in a male environment. The girl tends to adopt the masculine behaviours exhibited by her male counter parts as has been witnessed by the women who venture into fields assumed to be the male domain. This is in politics and business where women who succeed in these environments are seen to be more masculine than feminine thus changing their gender to becoming more male than female (Miller, Lewy & Peckham1997). In conclusion, it is correct to say that an individual’s gender is not only determined by his or her sex but also by the culture that they have grown in. the roles that a culture assigns to an individual are used to determine femininity and masculinity of members of the society. It is possible for ones gender to be changed depending on which community one is in. Roles assigned depending on an individuals sex change according to the society. Furthermore, the environment one is in influences the behaviour one has thus influencing the gender that one belongs to. Reference 1. Askew J. & Davey M. 2005, Sex Acts: Practices of Femininity and Masculinity, Archives of Sexual Behaviour Vol. 34, Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks 2. Gender, World health organization retrieved on 13th April 2009 from http://www. who. int/topics/gender/en 3. Miller J. B. , Lewy J. & Peckham E. 1997, Context Effects on Self-Perceptions of Feminine and Masculine Quantities, Sex: A Journal of Research Vol. 37 4. Morrow F. 1991, Unleashing Our Unknown Selves: An Inquiry into the Future of Femininity and Masculinity, Praeger Publishers 5. Watney S. 1994, Aphrodite of the Future, Artforum International Vol. 32

Questionnaire on soft drinks’ purchasing preferences…” Essay

â€Å"Questionnaire on soft drinks’ purchasing preferences†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Questionnaire on soft drinks’ purchasing preferences.. Today soft drinks don’t only reduce the thirst but also have become style and fashion. The purpose of this questionnaire is to know what people like most about soft drinks and what attracts them toward these products†¦ Part 1: 1. Do you drink soft drinks? oYES oNO, if no, please return this questionnaire 2. Gender oMale oFemale 3. Which of the following best describes your age? o 16-25 o 26-30 o 31-40 o41-50+ 4. Where is the most common place that you purchase soft drinks? o Restaurants o Supermarket o Hypermarkets. oKiosks oOther (please specify) 5. How often do you consume a soft drink? oDaily Basis o Weekly basis o Monthly basis o Never 6. On average how many times do you visit stores to purchase beverages? o 1-2 per month o 3-4 per month o 5-6 per month o 7+ per month 7. What is your soft drink of choice? oPepsi oCoca-Cola oSprite o7-Up oMirinda oFanta oSchweppes oOther (please specify) 8. Why do you drink soft drinks? oTaste o Caffeine o Refreshment o Brand loyalty oOther (please specify). 9. What is the most effective advertising that makes you want to drink a Coke? o Commercials o Web advertising (social media, official website, etc. ) o Billboards o Print advertising oOther (please specify) Part 2: Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements as 1 = Strongly agree, 3=neutral & 5= strongly disagree: StatementStrongly agree to strongly disagree 1. I understand the features of sodas well enough to evaluate the brands. 2. I have a preference for one or more brands in the soft drink class. 3. Soft drinks are a product for which I have no need whatsoever. 4. I usually purchase the same brand within the soft drink class. 5. If I received information that was contrary to my preferred soft drink, I would still keep my preferred brand. 6. If my preferred brand of soft drink is not available at the store, it makes little difference to me if I must choose another brand. 7. My preferred brand of soft drink helps me attain the type of life I strive for. 8. This soft drink helps me express the â€Å"I† and within myself. 9. I definitely have a â€Å"wanting† for soft drinks. 10. Most of the brands of soft drink are all alike. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5. â€Å"Questionnaire on soft drinks’ purchasing preferences†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Questionnaire on soft drinks’ purchasing preferences.. Today soft drinks don’t only reduce the thirst but also have become style and fashion. The purpose of this questionnaire is to know what people like most about soft drinks and what attracts them toward these products†¦ Part 1: 1. Do you drink soft drinks? oYES oNO, if no, please return this questionnaire 2. Gender oMale oFemale 3. Which of the following best describes your age? o 16-25 o 26-30 o 31-40 o41-50+ 4. Where is the most common place that you purchase soft drinks? o Restaurants o Supermarket o Hypermarkets  oKiosks oOther (please specify)5. How often do you consume a soft drink? oDaily Basis o Weekly basis o Monthly basis o Never 6. On average how many times do you visit stores to purchase beverages? o 1-2 per month o 3-4 per month o 5-6 per month o 7+ per month 7. What is your soft drink of choice? oPepsi oCoca-Cola oSprite o7-Up oMirinda oFanta oSchweppes oOther (please specify) 8. Why do you drink soft drinks? oTaste o Caffeine o Refreshment o Brand loyalty oOther (please specify). 9. What is the most effective advertising that makes you want to drink a Coke? o Commercials o Web advertising (social media, official website, etc. ) o Billboards o Print advertising oOther (please specify). Part 2: Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with each of the following statements as 1 = Strongly agree, 3=neutral & 5= strongly disagree: StatementStrongly agree to strongly disagree 1. I understand the features of sodas well enough to evaluate the brands. 2. I have a preference for one or more brands in the soft drink class. 3. Soft drinks are a product for which I have no need whatsoever. 4. I usually purchase the same brand within the soft drink class. 5. If I received information that was contrary to my preferred soft drink, I would still keep my preferred brand. 6. If my preferred brand of soft drink is not available at the store, it makes little difference to me if I must choose another brand. 7. My preferred brand of soft drink helps me attain the type of life I strive for. 8. This soft drink helps me express the â€Å"I† and within myself. 9. I definitely have a â€Å"wanting† for soft drinks. 10. Most of the brands of soft drink are all alike. 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5.

About the US Civil Rights Act of 1875

About the US Civil Rights Act of 1875 The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was a United States federal law enacted during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era that guaranteed African Americans equal access to public accommodations and public transportation.  The Act came less than a decade after the Civil Rights Act of 1866 had taken the nation’s first steps towards civil and social equality for black Americans after the Civil War.   The law read, in part: â€Å"†¦ all persons within the jurisdiction of the United States shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, and privileges of inns, public conveyances on land or water, theaters, and other places of public amusement; subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law, and applicable alike to citizens of every race and color, regardless of any previous condition of servitude.† The law also prohibited the exclusion of any otherwise qualified citizen from jury duty because of their race and provided that lawsuits brought under the law must be tried in the federal courts, rather than state courts. The law was passed by the 43rd United States Congress on February 4, 1875, and signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1875. Parts of the law were later ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Civil Rights Cases of 1883. The Civil Rights Act of 1875 was one of the main pieces of Reconstruction legislation passed by Congress after the Civil War. Other laws enacted included the Civil Rights Act of 1866, four Reconstruction Acts enacted in 1867 and 1868, and three Reconstruction Enforcement Acts in 1870 and 1871. The Civil Right Act in Congress Initially intended to implement the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 traveled a long and bumpy five-year journey to final passage. The bill was first introduced in 1870 by Republican Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, widely regarded as one of the most influential civil rights advocates in Congress. In drafting the bill, Sen. Sumner was advised by John Mercer Langston, a prominent African American attorney and abolitionist who would later be named the first dean of the Howard University law department. In considering his Civil Rights Act to be the key to achieving the highest goals of Reconstruction, Sumner once stated, â€Å"Very few measures of equal importance have ever been presented.† Sadly, Sumner did not survive to see his bill voted on, dying at age 63 of a heart attack in 1874. On his deathbed, Sumner pleaded to famed African-American social reformer abolitionist, and statesman Frederick Douglass, â€Å"Don’t let the bill fail.† When first introduced in 1870, the Civil Rights Act not only banned discrimination in public accommodations, transportation, and jury duty, it also prohibited racial discrimination in schools. However, in the face of growing public opinion favoring enforced racial segregation, Republican lawmakers realized that the bill had no chance of passing unless all references to equal and integrated education were removed. Over the many long days of debate on the Civil Rights Act bill, lawmakers heard some of the most impassioned and impactful speeches ever delivered on the floor of the House of Representatives. Relating their personal experiences of discrimination, African American Republican representatives carried the debated in favor of the bill. â€Å"Every day my life and property are exposed, are left to the mercy of others and will be so long as every hotel-keeper, railroad conductor, and steamboat captain can refuse me with impunity,† said Rep. James Rapier of Alabama, adding famously, â€Å"After all, this question resolves itself into this: either I am a man or I am not a man.† After nearly five years of debate, amendment, and compromise the Civil Rights Act of 1875 won final approval, passing in the House be a vote of 162 to 99. Supreme Court Challenge Considering slavery and racial segregation to be different issues, many white citizens in the Northern and the Southern states challenged Reconstruction laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1875, claiming they unconstitutionally infringed of their personal freedom of choice. In an 8-1 decision issued on October 15, 1883, the Supreme Court declared key sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1875 to be unconstitutional. As part of its decision in the combined Civil Rights Cases, the Court held that while the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibited racial discrimination by the state and local governments, it did not grant the federal government the power to prohibit private individuals and organizations from discriminating on the basis of race. In addition, the Court held that the Thirteenth Amendment had been intended only to ban slavery and did not prohibit racial discrimination in public accommodations. After the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 would be the last federal civil rights law enacted until ​the  passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957 during the early stages of the modern Civil Rights Movement. Legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1875 Stripped of all protections against discrimination and segregation in education, the Civil Rights Act of 1875 had little practical impact on racial equality during the eight years it was in force before being struck down by the Supreme Court.   Ã‚   Despite the law’s lack of immediate impact, many provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1875 were eventually adopted by Congress during the civil rights movement as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act). Enacted as part of the Great Society social reform program of President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 permanently outlawed segregated public schools in America.

Careful with Technical Terms

Careful with Technical Terms Careful with Technical Terms Careful with Technical Terms By Mary One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your writing must be appropriate for your audience. You have to use terminology that makes sense to your readers. When you become a professional in a particular field, you learn the language of that field. As a professional, people hire you to work on their behalf because you have knowledge and skills that they don’t possess. Therefore, you will often find yourself communicating in writing with people who don’t know the language of your field. Your writing has to make sense to the people who read it. If you are a medical billing professional, you know what ICD9, HCFA, and CPT mean. If you are an accountant, you know the difference between a 1099, W-2, W-4, W-9, and K-2 form. If you are an IT professional, you speak in terms of servers, routers, and hubs. If you are a web developer, your language includes terms like .net, PHP, PPC, monetizing, and URL. If you work in a hospital setting, your vocabulary includes terms like DNR, PRN, and QID. If you are a statistician, such terms as chi-square, mutually exclusive, regression analysis, and standard deviation are parts of your every day vocabulary. Chances are that several of the terms you just read don’t make any sense at all to you. When you write, you need to look closely at your messages, to make sure that you aren’t using terms that your readers aren’t likely to understand. You know what you mean. Make sure your writing stands on its own, so that your readers will also know what you mean. That’s what good writing is all about. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Business Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:20 Types and Forms of HumorTop 11 Writing Apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad)Titled versus Entitled

Dashboard and Executive Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dashboard and Executive Summary - Essay Example In this respect, the sales departments are charged with the responsibility of determining the effectiveness of the products of the company and the company rating among the consumers/customers. The sales design management team of Coca-Cola collected the following data from the survey on different variables that measure the performance of the organization in this competitive industry. The data collected measures the rating of the company services and products over the last four year. Besides, these information also measure the variations in the performance of Coca-Cola using key performance indicators (KPI) such as sales volume, market share and profitability index. Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 Sales Volume 20% 17% 16.3% 14.1% Profitability 23% 22% 11% 19% Market share 51% 50.2% 48% 48.6% Production cost 12% 12% 17% 19.2% No. of new customers 5% 7% 2% 3.1% From the above company performance dash board, it is evidenced that although the company is performing averagely in the industry, the s urvey indicates inconsistency in the industrial outcome over the last four years. Although Coca-Cola still has the dominant share and control of the soft drink and non-alcoholic drinks industry, the market share is slightly declining following the economic liberalization that allows room for other competitors to join the industry with diversity of products (Hays 12). This gives the consumers arrange of differentiated products to choose from. The entry of new firms in the market over the last decade has resulted into a continuous decline in the market share dominance of Coca-Cola. This was led to the slight decline in the market dominance from 51% in 2009 to 48.6% in 2012. Owing to the global economic and financial contagion of 2008-2009, the cost of production has been on the rise from 2009-2012. This because, the economic stability is yet to be realized globally, thereby making firms (including Coca-Cola) to invest more resource factoring in the expansionary inflationary pressure o n the production and raw materials that are essential for the entire process. The rise in the cost of production has negatively impacted on the sales and profitability index of the company. Over the last four years, as demonstrated above, the profitability index of Coca-Cola has significantly dropped. From 2009 to 2011, the records on the dash board indicate that the company profits have been falling from 23 to 11%. However, the little economic recovery in the last quarter of 2011 and 2012 resulted into a boom in the profitability index to 19% in 2012 (Hays 56-7). Consequently, the sales volume for the company also decline over-time since 2009 forcing the firm to revert to modern approaches of marketing and popularizing its product. It is revealed that the entry of new firms and the increasing customer base of other competitors such Pepsi-Cola have contributed to this fall in sales and profit margins. The survey also involved the customer survey on the variables such as satisfaction , likelihood of re-purchase, quality, pricing, design, and recommending Coca-Cola products to others. The outcome of the survey is as tabulated and dashed below. Year 2009 2010 2011 2011 Customer Satisfaction 72% 75% 81% 73% Re-purchase likelihood 67% 67% 69% 67% Recommending Coca to others 65% 71% 78% 56% Product Quality and Pricing 87% 70% 76% 72% The above dash board shows the customers’ level of satisfaction with the services and quality of products of Coca-Cola. Regarding the